In a significant diplomatic step, India and China held their first-ever bilateral consultations focused exclusively on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) matters, signalling a push to stabilise engagement and shape the bloc’s future roadmap amid evolving regional dynamics.
The two-day consultations, held in New Delhi on April 16 and 17, brought together senior officials from both sides to review the implementation of decisions taken by SCO leaders and discuss the organisation’s future direction.
The Indian delegation was led by SCO National Coordinator Alok A Dimri, while China’s side was headed by National Coordinator Yan Wenbin.
“Two sides exchanged views on the implementation of the SCO Leaders’ Decisions, and the future course of the organisation. Both sides agreed to continue and consolidate mutual cooperation and consultations in SCO matters,” the MEA statement read.
Focus on roadmap, coordination and cooperation
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides exchanged views on strengthening coordination within the SCO framework and agreed to deepen ongoing consultations.
Key areas of discussion included security cooperation, trade, regional connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges, sectors seen as critical to the grouping’s relevance.
Joint review with MEA leadership
Both delegations also met Secretary (West) Sibi George to assess progress in SCO engagements and explore ways to expand collaboration across multiple domains.
The review underscored the need for sustained dialogue and coordination within the multilateral platform.
“Both delegations, jointly, called on Secretary (West) Shri Sibi George to review cooperation within the SCO framework, including in the areas of security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties,” the statement added.
SCO gains prominence in regional diplomacy
The consultations come as part of broader diplomatic efforts by India and China to engage through multilateral platforms despite bilateral tensions.
The SCO, which includes major regional players like Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian nations, has increasingly become a key forum for addressing security and economic issues across Eurasia.
India’s evolving role in SCO
India became a full member of the SCO in 2017 after over a decade as an observer. Since then, it has taken on a more active role, including chairing key groupings within the organisation.
During its presidency from 2022 to 2023, India pushed for a “SECURE” framework, focusing on security, economic growth, connectivity, unity, sovereignty, and environmental protection, while also introducing new areas like startups, innovation, traditional medicine, and youth engagement.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations on SCO-related issues, highlighting the importance of continuous engagement in shaping the organisation’s trajectory and addressing shared regional challenges.